BOONE, N.C. — As Appalachian State University entered its 126th year, a new chapter in the university’s history began under the leadership of Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris, who was formally installed as App State’s eighth chancellor in October. Norris assumed her role as App State’s chancellor on March 1, after being elected to the position by the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors.
Also notable for 2025 is the university’s designation as a Research 2 institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, recognizing App State’s high research activity and doctorate production. App State researchers received key research awards in the areas of agriculture, rural health and wellness, and teaching and education. Formed this fall, App State’s Office of Rural Promise fosters regional connections and supports growing programs that empower students and educators at North Carolina schools.
In September, App State reflected on the year since Hurricane Helene, which devastated the Western North Carolina region in fall 2024. The university’s efforts to bolster regional resilience included representation on community recovery working groups and hosting the WNC Research for Recovery and Resilience Workshop, which convened nearly 100 academic, business, government and community stakeholders and led to the formation of a research network devoted to recovery and resilience. Additionally, App State and regional artists channeled the impacts of the storm into creative works to aid in healing, hope and resilience.
For the fall semester, App State experienced a record enrollment of 21,798 Mountaineer students, which was boosted by a 28% rise in online students and the highest-ever number of transfer students. The university’s student retention and graduation rates — two measurements commonly used in higher education to measure student success — are among the highest in the nation, and App State offers a positive resident-student return on investment for every undergraduate and graduate academic program.
App State reopened Herbert W. Wey Hall to students, faculty and staff in September, after the facility’s $26 million renovation. Wey Hall is home to App State’s Department of Art, which offers more than 100 course sections to approximately 1,400 students. The renovation increased the amount of interior space for studios and classrooms and added a student exhibition space. Other capital improvements at the university included further renovation of the Hickory campus’s second floor to create classroom, office and student lounge spaces, as well as computer, cybersecurity and science labs. App State also began construction on a new student housing complex at its Appalachian 105 property in Boone and marked continued progress on its Peacock Hall expansion and renovation project. Renovations to Edwin Duncan Hall, which were 80% completed by November, are focused on improving and adapting the space to meet current and future programming needs — including more technologically advanced classrooms and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) laboratories. The Edwin Duncan project is slated for completion in spring 2026.
The university announced in October that it would begin advanced planning for the Kidd Brewer Stadium East Tower expansion, which will increase the stadium’s capacity and enhance the already well-recognized fan experience. Average attendance at The Rock topped 30,000 for the fifth straight year — representing the five highest totals in Sun Belt Conference history — and 2025 marked the fourth consecutive year of sold-out season tickets for the Mountaineers football program. App State also broke ground on the new 85,000-square-foot, multipurpose Sofield Family Indoor Practice Facility, which will increase the size of the football practice field to 100 yards and allow for more frequent and comprehensive practice sessions for most App State athletic programs.
App State student-athletes excelled both in and outside the classroom, achieving a cumulative GPA above 3.0 for the 13th consecutive year, along with impressive wins in their respective App State Athletics programs. App State also earned the Sun Belt’s Community Impact Award, recognizing Mountaineer student-athletes for their 1,648 hours of community service. The men’s wrestling and men’s and women’s cross-country teams finished their seasons at the top of their conferences, while Mountaineer women’s tennis finished its historic spring season with a program-best 17 victories. Field hockey earned its first win over a Big Ten team — Michigan State — and a victory over No. 18 James Madison to rise as high as No. 17 in the national polls.
To enjoy revisiting highlights about App State from 2025, continue reading:
Oct. 8, 2025
On Oct. 3, Dr. Heather H. Norris was formally installed as the eighth chancellor in App State’s 126-year history. UNC System President Peter Hans presided over the installation ceremony, which was held on the Boone campus and attended by hundreds of Mountaineers and community members, as well as state education and community leaders.
University’s commitment to applied research benefits students, communities and industries
Feb. 13, 2025
App State has earned a Research 2 designation through the Carnegie Classification system for high research activity and doctorate production. App State’s research expenditures in fiscal year 2023 were more than $8.4 million and, in 2022–23, the university awarded 20 doctoral degrees.
Feb. 26, 2025
App State’s Aspire Appalachian program for transfer students has earned recognition as a 2025 myFutureNC Champion for Attainment for its dedication to expanding access, success and completion for adult learners across North Carolina.
The Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges project aims to advance higher education, workforce development in rural communities
March 26, 2025
Supported by a $7.2 million grant from Ascendium Education Group, the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges, housed at App State, will work to advance higher education and workforce development in rural communities over the next four years as part of its Rural Talent Lab project.
June 3, 2025
For the fourth consecutive year, App State has sold out of football season tickets. The 2025 schedule includes Kidd Brewer Stadium visits by Lindenwood, Oregon State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Marshall and Arkansas State.
The AI-enhanced robotic microscope will streamline parasite analysis in livestock, poultry
May 27, 2025
App State researcher Dr. Zachary Russell and his team have received a $2.3 million NCInnovation grant to develop an AI-enhanced robotic microscope that will streamline parasite analysis in livestock and poultry — helping to strengthen NC’s billion-dollar agriculture industry.
MBA, applied data analytics programs will feature the new tracks, beginning this fall
April 15, 2025
This fall, App State’s Walker College of Business will launch new artificial intelligence (AI) concentrations as part of its master’s programs in business administration and applied data analytics — with an aim to prepare graduates for career success in an increasingly AI-driven business world.
April 4, 2025
Since its inception in 1975, the Appalachian Dance Ensemble at App State has premiered over 500 original works — involving more than 5,700 students, faculty, guest artists and community members. Learn about the ensemble’s history and the people who have shaped it over the years.
May 21, 2025
The Bedford Falls Foundation has committed $1million in support of App State’s Bachelor of Science in nursing program — specifically student scholarships and student success initiatives. More than 40 App State nursing students will benefit from this scholarship support.
May 22, 2025
App State student-athletes extended their streak to 26 consecutive semesters with a cumulative GPA over 3.0. All 17 athletic programs finished the spring 2025 semester above that mark, contributing to an overall GPA of 3.29.
App State realizes over $90 million in avoided utility savings
June 30, 2025
At App State’s 14th annual Appalachian Energy Summit, N.C. State Energy Office representatives announced that, since 2002–03, the UNC System and its partners have collectively avoided $2.37 billion in energy costs, exceeding the 2025 goal of $2 billion.
Partners on the new initiative include school districts in Watauga, Caldwell and Catawba counties
Aug. 19, 2025
With more than $1.4 million in federal grant support, App State has developed a new career pathways initiative aimed at addressing the shortage of special education teachers in rural Appalachia. More than 100 regional teacher’s assistants, educators and school administrators will take part in the program this fall.
Multiuse complex provides public–private health care opportunities
Aug. 20, 2025
On Aug. 15, App State broke ground on a new, 85,000-square-foot multiuse facility that will replace its previous Sofield Family Indoor Practice Facility. The new facility will expand practice space for multiple athletic programs while serving multiple university areas and allowing for public–private health care collaborations.
Online and transfer enrollment records drive strategic growth across university, while Boone enrollment remains steady
Sept. 5, 2025
This fall, App State enrolls 21,798 Mountaineer students, a 1.1% increase over last fall and its largest undergraduate population to date. Fall 2025 enrollment at App State was boosted by a 28% rise in online students and the highest-ever number of transfer students.
US News names App State a top 5 regional university for innovation, undergraduate teaching and veterans support
Sept. 29, 2025
Six national publications — including U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Forbes magazine — have recognized App State among the best schools in the nation, and the Southeast, for 2025–26. The publications lauded the university for its academics, innovation and value, among other aspects.
Learn more about App State's role in the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene, and discover how our community is building back stronger, together.
Oct. 1, 2025
After Hurricane Helene, artists at App State and in the surrounding communities of Western North Carolina turned to creative expression for healing, hope and resilience. Learn about how they channeled the storm’s impact into creative works that included visual arts, music, writing and more.
Ongoing post-Helene projects examine flood forecasting models, backup energy systems, ecological impacts, private well contamination and health solutions
Sept. 19, 2025
App State research in the wake of Helene has the university joining local partners, diving into health data, surveying ecosystems and energizing transdisciplinary initiatives to armor the Western North Carolina region against future disasters.
March 21, 2025
At the App State Academy at Middle Fork, instead of a single teacher handling all responsibilities for one classroom for one grade, a collaborative team of academy educators supports student learning across two combined grade levels.
Borkowski, who died Jan. 19, led the university from 1993 to 2003
Jan. 23, 2025
Dr. Francis T. Borkowski, App State’s chancellor from 1993 to 2003, died Jan. 19 at the age of 88. Under his leadership, the university strengthened academic and student success programs, expanded global education and helped establish the area as a cultural tourism destination.
Oct. 1, 2025
App State Athletics is set to begin advanced planning for the Kidd Brewer Stadium East Tower construction project, following approval Monday from the Appalachian State University Board of Trustees.
Oct. 22, 2025
Following a $26 million renovation, App State reopened Wey Hall for classes this fall, followed by the opening of the facility’s new Cathy P. Walling Student Art Gallery in late September. The newly renovated and modernized Wey Hall provides state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology and essential resources for App State students, faculty and staff.
Dec. 3, 2025
App State has been recognized among the nation’s top higher education institutions for military service members and veterans, ranking as a top five school named to Military Times’ 2025 “Best for Vets: Colleges” rankings list.
Faculty and alumni share their international learning experiences
Dec. 4, 2025
App State ranks No. 4 nationally among master’s institutions for study abroad participation, according to the latest “Open Doors Report.” Here, App State students and faculty share how living and learning overseas expanded their worldview and supported their growth as individuals.
Dec. 10, 2025
For over 85 years, App State’s Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory has provided the highest quality of education and care for regional children — while also functioning as a professional preparation site for future Mountaineer educators. The lab, which uses research-based practices, serves nearly 600 students annually.
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Appalachian State University outlines a vision for its future with its Master Plan 2025 and UNC System Goals and Metrics. The new website detailing this vision — called Appalachian's Future — includes photos, renderings and more information on the university’s ongoing projects.
Appalachian State University
Learn the history of Appalachian State University, from its founding in 1899 as a rural academy to its growth into a destination of choice for high-achieving students.
Dec. 20, 2024
Milestones from App State’s 125th anniversary year include new pathways to expand education access, record support for research funding, the continued improvement of campus facilities and recovery from Hurricane Helene — a historic natural disaster.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
